Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Rep. Dunn tour Panama City Navy Base

Panama City, Florida – Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Chair of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, and Rep. Neal Dunn, (R-FL), met with base leadership and toured the Naval Support Activity Panama City facilities destroyed by Hurricane Michael, to include the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) Feb. 19.

“It was very important for us to show Congresswomen Wasserman Shultz how the hurricane impacted this installation,” said Capt. Aaron Peters, NSWC PCD commanding officer.  “Of the 88 buildings occupied by NSWC PCD, 82 sustained damage, ranging from minor to severe damage resulting in 40 percent of our workforce to be displaced.  As NSWC PCD moves forward we look for opportunity and return on investment within the next 10 years to rebuild stronger to enable vital capability to outpace our adversaries and defeat current and emerging threats.”

Despite the damage, NSWC PCD guaranteed critical programs and Fleet support efforts continued without impact while also ensuring 100 percent accountability of personnel and their families.

“The support of Congresswoman Wasserman Shultz is an important step in helping NSWC Panama City rebuild the Warfare Center,” said Ed Stewart (SES), NSWC PCD technical director. “Our technical capabilities are unique to Panama City. It is vital that we rebuild in order to maintain current and future warfighter readiness.”

NSWC PCD employs over 1,400 civilian employees of which the majority are scientists and engineers who conduct research, development, test and evaluation, in-service support of mine warfare systems, mines, naval special warfare systems, diving and life support systems, amphibious/expeditionary maneuver warfare systems, other missions that occur primarily in coastal (littoral) regions, and to execute other responsibilities as assigned by Commander, Naval Surface Warfare Center. Over the next year, NSWC PCD will be expanding and will increase the workforce by approximately 100 positions.

Press Release and Photos by:

ASHLEY E. A. CONNER
Public Affairs Officer
Office of Congressional and Public Affairs
Communications and Community Relations (Code 1031)
Naval Surface Warfare Center
Panama City Division